Regional Economic Area Partnership Membership: Marla Canfield and Shelley Hansel, representing the Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP), were present to discuss the benefits of becoming a REAP member and ask the City Council of Augusta to consider rejoining the REAP organization.

Belt made a motion to approve rejoining the REAP organization for $2,491. Magruder seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.

2018 Insurance Renewal: Crum made a motion to accept the bid proposal from Madrigal & Welch for the renewal of the City’s 2018 Insurance Policy, with the exception of Flood coverage, in the amount of $398,231. Belt seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.

Fireworks Show Funding Plan for Augusta’s 150th Anniversary Celebration: Crum made a motion to approve staff’s recommendation to pay $7,500 for a fireworks show as part of Augusta’s 150th Anniversary Celebration out of the Administration Budget. Bates seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.

Final Plat for Wildcat Crossing Addition; Ordinance No. 2130 Approving a Zoning District Reclassification for Lot 1 Block 1 of Wildcat Crossing Located at 6713 SW 50th Street: Crum made a motion to approve the final plat submitted for the Wildcat Crossing Addition located at 6713 SW 50th Street in the Growth Area. Belt seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.

Bid Award for Fence Construction for Dog Park: Leffler made a motion to table this agenda item until the next meeting. Magruder seconded the motion. Motion carried without oppositions.

Bid Award for Concrete Construction for Dog Park: Crum made a motion to approve the bid award to Rock Concrete in the amount of $9,362 for construction of a concrete pad for the new off-leash dog park in Meadowview Acres. Birk seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.

Ohio Street Trees Discussion: Council discussed and provided direction to staff regarding placement of street trees along the Ohio Street project. Leffler made a motion to reject the planting of the 52 trees in the City right of way that is included in the existing contract in the City right of way and for staff to look at replacing the trees on private property and working with local nurseries. Belt seconded the motion. Motion carried with Birk voting in opposition.

Garvin Park Concessions Facility Entrance Change Order Discussion: Council discussed and provided direction to staff regarding a proposed change order to change the layout of the planned drive entrance near the new concessions facility. Crum made a motion to approve Option #2 for the planned drive entrance near the new concessions facility. Leffler seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.

Matters From/For Council and Informational Memorandum:

City Manager: Shaw recommended scheduling a strategic retreat work session for April 9, 2018 to discuss the annual utility abatement program, preliminary budget planning, and goal setting for the 2019 calendar year. Crum made a motion to schedule a strategic retreat work session for April 9, 2018 at 6 p.m. to discuss the annual utility abatement program, preliminary budget planning, and goal setting for the 2019 calendar year. Leffler seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.

Discussion regarding private fundraising to increase the size of the annual fireworks show. Council had no objections to staff putting out the request for donations and private fundraising.

Birk: Birk thanked the City’s firefighters for all their hard work fighting fires the last few weeks.

Magruder: Magruder stated he would like Augusta Little League Baseball to take a look at the new structure to see what they think about the construction.

Crum: Crum stated there is a street light out at 1228 Euclid and a pothole on Dearborn right across from The Point and Armory. Crum asked if there had been any further discussions about pool reservations since the last meeting. She suggested that there be a couple hours the week or two before the pool opens where the manager can take reservations instead of only doing it on Memorial weekend. Council asked staff to create a written policy to provide preference to the schools for pool reservations and then open it up to a first come first serve with reservations through the utility office.

Childers: Childers reminded the youth of Augusta that Youth Love Augusta will be held on March 21st from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. He stated the service projects will be completed in the morning and there will be games in the afternoon. He stated that for more information to contact Councilman Bates’ wife, Jessica Bates.

Adjourn: At 8:57 p.m., Bates made a motion to adjourn. Belt seconded the motion. Motion carried without opposition.